We look at the calendar as each New Year’s Day approaches and think, Okay, what do I want to tackle this year? Two weeks later most of us have abandoned our latest resolution and are back to the our old habits. But what if we concentrate on one or two or three things that can make a difference in our lives?
Your mind leads your body
As we age, so does our skin, and not always in a positive way. Too much sun from toddler to high school years, smoking, toxins in your system, bad nutrition and poor genetics can make our skin look old before its time. Yet new advances in skin care can take years off our ages; 60 now seems the new 50. How do we get there?
Keeping your healthy glow
Dr. Erin Hennessey from Blush Aesthetics (named because she wants your skin to have a healthy glow) knows about skin care. The population in the age group 50-80 is growing quickly. The longer lifespan means your skin needs a lot of special attention to age gracefully, for both men and women.
The former gold standard for women was a daily dose of Ponds cleanser with Oil of Olay moisturizer. If you have fabulous genetics, that might still work, but we owe it to ourselves to explore the best; often it doesn’t have to come with an exorbitant price. Dr. Hennessey says that we should be using products that have been scientifically proven through studies and trials on skin to do the best job.
While you can purchase products at drugstores and beauty stores, most of these do not penetrate the skin and, instead, settle on top, not getting to the deep skin tissue that needs to be moisturized, Dr. Hennessey explains. Additionally, many of these products may have botanicals or fragrances that can cause an allergic reaction. She recommends two products that are found in drug stores, Cetaphil and CeraVe, which are priced quite reasonably and are not harmful. CeraVe is protein-based and time-released.
Dr. Christy Lorton, Co-owner Dermatology Associates & ADA Aesthetics
Work hard and wear sunscreen. Never, never, never bake in the the sun!
– Dr. Christy Lorton
Modern ways to maintain
While Dr. Hennessey supports the use of Retin A, she maintains that many skins cannot tolerate it and the cost is high. Some newer products on the market are gentler to the skin at a lower price, including Alastin and Avene.
The doctor suggested cost-effective recommendations to help combat the aging process, recommending Forever Young BBL (Broad Band Light) and Halo Laser. No longer cumbersome, BBL, the light broadband treatment, stimulates collagen, makes your skin brighter, can assist with acne and rosacea, all with minimal downtime. It is hoped that in a couple of years, the process will become a skin-cancer preventative.
For those who need a bit more attention, Halo Laser helps with sun damage, visible signs of aging, poor texture and skin tone. While this treatment used to take two weeks to heal, now you can get it done on a Friday and be back to work on Monday.
Dr. Wade Banker Luxe Laser, Vein, and Body Center
Stop smoking. It’s not only bad for your health, but it accelerates the aging process and brings on a host of additional cosmetic concerns over time. – Dr. Wade Banker
Worth a shot
Dr. Hennessey reports that Botox use is on the rise, most notably with millennials, who use it to prevent the deep-set wrinkles that those over 50 are fighting. What can a woman over 50 do? The doctor emphatically says: use a good skin cleanser, an antioxidant so that the sun can be used well, a good moisturizer and retinal (for both men and women), reminding us that good skin care needs to be a constant goal; it is all achievable if you know what your budget is and talk to someone who can address your important skin care needs.
While very apprehensive for no apparent reason, I was a willing participant in having a Broad band light (BBL) procedure done by Hennessey. I was amazed at how easy it was; it took 20 minutes and the only discomfort felt like a tap with a light band. I was amazed how much brighter my skin looks and how tight it feels. A procedure like this costs $395 and you will need two or three appointments; after that it is totally maintenance. Hennessey describes the BBL treatment as the closest thing to a magic wand. www.blushnwo.com 419-362-6090.
Cay Stout AVANTI Med Spa at Arrowhead Plastic Surgeons, Inc.
“To me, it’s not about fighting aging, it’s about creating an ageless, timeless look while embracing life’s journey. We all have beauty budgets that we need to keep, so it’s essential to invest wisely— and that starts with our skin. Clear, gorgeous skin will brighten your whole look.” – Cay Stout
Yoga improves your
mind and body
Yoga is a form of exercise that is accessible to everyone. I was overwhelmed by the available choices available.
Keep calm and Hatha
I visited Sharon Kripke, who has the Yoga Alliance’s highest teaching designation, E-RYT 500, as well as certifications from Yoga for Golfers and Prenatal Yoga.
Kripke has practiced yoga for 25 years, studying Hatha Yoga, and received her Hatha Yoga Teacher’s Certificate in 2008, opening Yoga Journey in 2009.
“Yoga is a great way to enrich your mind, body and soul,” Kripke says. “The practice of yoga involves moving through a series of poses using specified breathing techniques. By deeply inhaling and exhaling, you are able to build strength, energy and flexibility.”
“Yoga has been proven to increase energy, improve focus, reduce blood pressure, and relieve stress along with many additional benefits to overall wellness. It instantly improves posture and builds core strength, both of which are essential to preventing injuries and back pain. Yoga has become a staple for professional and everyday athletes, because of its extraordinary impact on performance,” she states.
According to the Sanskrit term “hatha” actually refers to any yoga that teaches physical postures. So, in reality, all yoga is hatha yoga,” This type of yoga seems to be best for beginners. It has a slower pace and is great if you are starting yoga. Kripke’s class was very relaxing. I felt less stressed after working with her.
Matthew A. Molenda, MD, FAAD, MBA Bravia Dermatology
Wear sunscreen and take care of your skin. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
– Matthew A. Molenda
Cardio yoga
I then visited Renee Mason at The Fitness Shack introducing the newest rage in yoga. Buti Yoga workouts transform body and soul with cardio-intensive bursts of tribal dance, primal movement and conditioning woven into a dynamic yoga practice.
Buti yoga is “a cure that had been hidden or kept secret.” The Buti community, considered a tribe, uses this workout for cardio and body sculpting. Created by Celebrity Trainer Bizzie Gold, Buti Yoga utilizes the Spiral Structure Technique to tone deep abdominal muscles that stabilize and strengthen the body.
Most of the women in the class were younger and thoroughly enjoying the powerful workout, while I just barely kept up. I prefer one of the more sedate yoga sessions at The Fitness Shack, which also offers open gym, row and tone, circuit training and a host of classes seven days a week.
All you need to get started is a yoga mat and a commitment to learn something wonderful for yourself. Remember to focus on your breathing. Inhale for energy and strength. Exhale for deeper flexibility. Let your mind and body work in harmony— Namaste!
